St Helena islanders bid farewell to Aberdeen lifeline ship

The RMS St Helena has been plying the 1,500-mile route between St Helena and South Africa for 26 years

The last ship to be built in Aberdeen is about to be decommissioned after providing the sole link to one of the world's most remote islands.

Royal Mail Ship (RMS) St Helena has provided the lifeline service for passengers and cargo to the South Atlantic outpost for 26 years.

However, the vessel is to be sold when its five-day voyages to and from South Africa are replaced by flights when an airport opens on the British overseas territory.

RMS St Helena has travelled 2.5 million miles and carried 101,000 passengers since taking over the route from Cape Town in 1990. She is expected to make the 1,500-mile trip for the last time in July.

Before that, she will make a farewell visit to London in June, sailing under Tower Bridge for the first time.

Her only return visit to Scotland since being built by Hall Russell was a cruise round the Western Isles in the 1990s.

Several potential buyers have expressed interest, with selling agents saying she would be suitable to become a non-polar expedition ship.

The 6,700-tonne vessel can accommodate 156 passengers in 56 cabins, and has a 56-strong crew.

Matt Young, the Scottish chairman of St Helena Line, which owns the vessel on behalf of the island’s government, said: “St Helenians – known as ‘Saints’ – regard the ship as an extension of the island – as soon as they get on board, they feel back at home.

“It’s a very emotional time for them, as they have a great affection for the ship.”

Prior to work on the airport starting, two-thirds of passengers were Saints and one third tourists, who pay some £2,200 for a return ticket.